I had my 97 locked in neutral. Couldn't get it out, and could only push it around if i pulled the clutch in. The gear seized on the shaft. I was told that stock clutch plates were aluminum and really contaminate oil and gears. I had to take mine to my engine rebuilder for disassembly, press off the gear off the shaft, cleaned up shaft and reassembled. $250 later, no problems. Not sure if its that simple for your buddy, but it sounds similar.